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Beef & Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce: A Creamy, Comforting Weeknight Dinner


  • Author: WAFA LI

Ingredients

• 8 oz rotini or penne (or chickpea pasta for +10g protein; zucchini noodles for low-carb)
• 1 lb lean ground beef (85/15)
• 3 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
• ½ cup heavy cream (or whole milk + 1 tbsp flour for lighter)
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp dried parsley
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for subtle heat)
• Salt & black pepper to taste
• Optional: chopped fresh parsley or basil for garnish


Instructions

  1. Cook pasta to al dente; drain. Reserve ¼ cup pasta water.
  2. In a large skillet, brown beef over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat. Remove beef, set aside.
  3. In same skillet, melt butter over medium. Sauté garlic 1 min—don’t brown!
  4. Stir in broth and cream; simmer 3–4 mins until slightly thickened.
  5. Reduce heat to low. Gradually whisk in Parmesan until smooth and creamy. Stir in parsley, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
  6. Return beef and cooked pasta to skillet. Toss to coat. If too thick, add reserved pasta water 1 tbsp at a time.
  7. Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs.

PREP TIME & NUTRITION :
Prep Time: 5 mins, Cook Time: 20 mins, Total Time: 25 mins, Servings: 6
Calories: 480, Net Carbs: 30g, Fats: 26g, Protein: 32g
Keto-friendly with zucchini noodles — net carbs drop to ~7g/serving.